Mineral Resources (MinRes) and not-for-profit Youth Focus recently celebrated 10 years of partnership providing essential mental health services to Western Australian youth.
MinRes has donated over $2.3 million over the life of its partnership with Youth Focus, leading to the support of thousands of young people across the state.
The long-running partnership was renewed for an additional two years in 2023 and forms part of MinRes’ commitment to encouraging a culture in which mental health is spoken about openly.
This includes staff access to in-house psychology services and mental health first aid training.
MinRes head of mental health Chris Harris visited the not-for-profit’s Burswood headquarters to meet with Youth Focus chief executive officer Derry Simpson.
“MinRes and Youth Focus both consider mental health to be just as important as physical health,” Harris said.
“I’m proud we are working together to help break down barriers and ensure support is accessible for young people.”
Recent Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show mental health challenges among young people have increased almost 50 per cent over the past 15 years.
Simpson said through the support of organisations like MinRes, Youth Focus can provide evidenced-based, safe and high-quality services at no cost when young people need them most.
“To achieve sustained support for young people, we need long-term partners like MinRes who understand the challenge and are committed to making a difference, just as we are,” she said.
“This partnership means we can support more young people, where and when they need it most.”
While the statistics are a stark reminder of the challenges so many young people face, Youth Focus is determined to take a active approach to creating solutions.
“We exist to help create a community where young people can thrive. We know this takes a village – one that unites to support young people as they move through their lives,” Simpson said.
“Thanks, MinRes, for being such an important part of this village. Youth Focus could not support the young people of Western Australia without partners like you.”
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